Some of
you have mentioned [and rightly too] that purity is more than refraining from
sexual activity.
I did
say in part one that my conversation with with a certain married man who asked
if my relationship was sexual was what led me in writing these purity series
and since sex was the topic discussed, I’m sharing my thought on sexual purity
and not purity as a whole.
That
said I will like to make clear that purity
is much more than avoiding sexual immorality. Some people, when they hear
about purity only think in the sense of avoiding sexual immorality but purity involves much more than what we do
in one area of our life; it has to do with what we choose in every area of our
lives.
Purity is simply not a good thing, it is a God thing, it is what God wants,
it is God's plan and that makes it the best plan possible.
So why
must we choose Purity? Is purity even possible? If yes, how can one pursue
purity?
Well
the answer to the above question is not far-fetched but before I go any further,
I will like to say I don’t know/have a 10 step plan to purity. All I intend to
do is share with you the wisdom God put in my heart that works for me [and
since it works for me, I have no doubt it will work for you].
We
need to understand that God has called us to a holy living. And for us to grow
closer to God, it’s crucial to pursue purity because purity leads to holiness. “But
as he who has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conduct;
because it is written: "Be holy; for I am holy." - 1 Pet
1:15-16
Furthermore,
as Christ followers, one of the things we are called to do is be examples. “Let
no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to them that believe, in word,
in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1Tim 4:12
How can we pursue purity?
First
things first… Develop a relationship
with God.
It’s hard to please the heart of God
if you do not KNOW Him so do you know the Lord? If NO may
I encourage you to get to KNOW Him…when you get to know the Lord you will
realize that true joy and satisfaction
comes from God not from [sex or] anything else.
Decide to honor the Lord
not your flesh.
True
purity is choosing to love God more than you love anything or anyone else, and
expressing that love by wholeheartedly devoting your life to God. It’s
important to pursue purity because it is a requirement to see God. Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Mat 5:8
Understand that true Purity
begins from the HEART
Scripture clearly teaches us that the real
issues of life are spiritual and are really matters of the heart. An
impure heart will lead to an impure life and vice versa. When impurity resides
in the heart, it will be exposed in all that the person does [speech, actions,
character etc.]. Ponder on the
scriptures below…
For
out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,
theft, false witness, slander. –Mathew 15:19 [ESV]
A good man out of the
good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man
out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of
the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. – Luke
4:45 [KJV]
The truth of the matter is, nothing good can come out from an un-regenerated
heart. It is only when
our minds [hearts] are renewed by the word of God that true purity will become possible.
Rely on God not your
effort.
Many
have ended up failing in their pursuit of purity despite their best efforts
because achieving true purity is not
easy however it is possible. We have to stop relying on our effort and rely
on Jesus every day to empower us to live in purity – a life he has called us
to. “[Not in your own strength] for it is
God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in
you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” - Philippians 2:13 [AMP]
Watch your thoughts… Guard
your eyes, ear and heart.
The quickest way to our heart is our eyes and ears… it is important that
we guide both. And also we have to guide our thoughts. [As a man thinketh
in his heart,
so is he". The sums of a person’s thoughts are seen in their
character
and character influences everything he does.
If you don’t know what to think on, Philippians 4:8 offers a great advice. “Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things
are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
To live a live a life of purity, we
have to think pure thoughts. Our lives really go where our thoughts go. Casting down imaginations, and every high
thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge
of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5
There is really so much to say but I
will conclude this part here. If you read this and it convicted you in anyway,
please do not beat yourself down. You may in time past have gone the wrong path, but understand
that despite your disposition, you can begin to do what’s right from today. You may not have started well but you sure
can finish well.
I have chosen the path of purity and I urge you to join me. Purity honors
the LORD and since all of our lives if for the glory and honor of the LORD, we
must all pursue purity.
Someone my read this and say, this is not for me. I am not struggling
in the area of purity. Well if you are not struggling in this area, praise God
but understand that many are so there is still work to be done.
Love your friends and family by telling them the truth.
Reach out to them and encourage them to abstain from impurity [particularly sexual
immorality]. Encourage them to honor God instead of giving in to the lustful
desires of the flesh.
Text them regularly to check on them, call them often and
encourage them to good works.
Impurity creates many complications… It
ruins the best of men and women and brings forth major issues – even death.
Let's choose purity, let's choose to honor
the LORD.
Until next time, stay focused.
Just Sharing My Thought
Listen.
Laugh. Smile. Relate. Share.
Grace to you and Peace. ♡
